Every kitchen has suffered from a fruit fly epidemic (and my kitchen is currently in the thick of one). One overly ripe piece of fruit, or an off smell from the drain and bam! The tiny frequent flyers spontaneously arrive – and feel near impossible to get rid of. The good news? It actually is possible to get rid of them with just a few routine habits and DIY remedies.
What are fruit flies?
Fruit flies are small (2mm), red-eyed insects part of the Drosophilidae or greater fly family. These tiny insects are attracted to rotting or fermenting fruit and vegetables, sugary liquids (such as wine, beer, vinegar, and cold drinks), and damp, decaying organic matter. Although they aren’t pests (i.e., they do not bite or harm humans), they can still be harmful to have hovering in your kitchen – some studies have found them to carry bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
Due to their small size, fruit flies can slip through tiny cracks or spaces in walls, windows and doors. And their sense of smell is quite amazing – they can smell rotting foods from great distances. So, although they seem like they just spawn from that overly ripe banana, they actually sneak into your kitchen from far away, following the scent.
How to prevent fruit flies
The best way to avoid fruit flies is to prevent them from showing up in the first place. Here are a few preventative tips to ensure you don’t see any swarms in the future:
- Close/seal any gaps: Even the tiniest of gaps makes safe passage for the fruit fly. Consider sealing any gaps in windows, doors, ceilings and walls in the kitchen.
- Discard any old produce: Prevent the scent of old or decaying produce or liquids from attracting fruit flies by discarding them as early as possible. Ensure the bin in your kitchen is sealed tightly, or throw away trash in larger refuse bins more regularly.
- Wash produce before storage: For any produce you like keeping outside the fridge (like fruits and some vegetables), wash them to remove other coatings or smells that may attract fruit flies before storage.
- Deep clean: Deep cleaning your kitchen and other areas of your home is the most effective way to keep fruit flies at bay. Ensure regular cleaning of bins, recycling bins, drains and surfaces.
How to get rid of a current swarm of fruit flies
If you’re unlucky and notice a swarm assembling in the kitchen, use these tips to get rid of them ASAP:
- DIY Fruit fly spray: Instead of buying potentially dangerous pesticides, fill a spray bottle with 91% isopropyl alcohol (you can add herbs like rosemary and lavender, or citrus peels for a nice smell). Spray areas where you notice fruit flies and wipe any that have been killed immediately.
- DIY Fruit fly trap: Pour a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or other fruit-based vinegar) into a glass or saucer and cover with cling wrap. Use a toothpick or fork to poke a few holes in the cling wrap and leave it where you’ve noticed fruit flies. They will not resist the urge to investigate the smell, enter through the holes and won’t be able to exit. If you don’t have cling wrap, add a few drops of dish soap instead to help trap them.
- Buy a fruit fly trap: Consider purchasing a store-bought trap instead of creating your own. Available in your local grocery store or online. These are the most effective options for getting rid of fruit flies.
